This weekend thousands of comic fans will flood San Francisco's Moscone Hall for WonderCon 2009 to meet their favorite creators and the publisher who brings it better than any other, the Bay Area's very own Image Comics!

"It’s always fun to travel to conventions, but nothing beats the hometown show," Image Comics Founder and Illustrator of the WonderCon Exclusive SAVAGE DRAGON #145 Erik Larsen said. "It may not be the biggest, but it’s certainly one of the best! Plus, it’s a particularly important con for me as this week marks the big relaunch of SAVAGE DRAGON! I’m excited to hear what the fans have to say about the big issue!”

Throughout the weekend Larsen along with VIKING's Ivan Brandon, ELEPHANTMEN's Richard Starkings & Moritat, DARKNESS' Michael Broussard and Top Cow Productions Publisher Filip Sablik and will be available at the Image Comics booth signing autographs and selling exclusive items! However, the convention doesn’t truly begin until Friday’s Image Comics Show at 3-4 PM in room 103 featuring Larsen, Starkings, THE GREAT UNKNOWN’s Duncan Rouleau and Champions Online writer John Layman with the first word on an all-new project! In addition, the already much coveted SAVAGE DRAGON #145 variant featuring President Barack Obama taking on Osama Bin Laden will be available starting Friday for a very limited amount of time with a select few fans randomly winning a copy during the Friday panel. If that’s not enough GODLAND’s Joe Casey, PHERONE’s Viktor Kalvachev, NEW BRIGHTON ARCHELOGICAL SOCIETY’s Mark Andrew Smith and many more will stop by the booth!

Image Comics can be found at booth #407 during Wondercon, February 27 - March 1st 2009, taking place in the San Francisco Moscone Center.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

This weekend, I pulled out my copy of "The Art of Hellboy" and was flipping through it while the wife and I caught up on "The Tudors Season 2". It's a gorgeous book spotlighting a master of the comic craft (Mike Mignola) and I strongly recommend picking it up if you are a fan of art and comic art in particular.Then I made the mistake of thinking I could draw like Mignola. Big mistake. Anyone who thinks what Mike does is either simple or easy simply has never tried to replicate it with the same style, panache, and sheer understanding of how light and dark can play off each other. Here's my poor man's attempt to draw The Sovereign (currently appearing opposite Jackie Estacado in The Darkness) in a mashup of my style and Mignola's.

DC isn't the only publisher that will be dealing with the "aftermath" of an editorial event in May. Top Cow will be dealing with its own aftermath, in this case the fallout from their Broken Trinity storyline, and Newsarama has a first look at the Ryan Sook cover to the one-shot....

Top Cow Productions has released images and solicitation information for new comics and products on sale in October, 2008. When you're though checking out these solicitations for new releases, don't forget to visit CBR's Image Comics forum to discuss these titles and products with fellow readers.

MTV: What do you think about the sheer number of comic book movies nominated for Academy Awards this year?

FILIP SABLIK (publisher, Top Cow Productions, “Wanted”): We were pretty excited to see “Wanted” nominated for two awards. And of course, “Iron Man” and “Dark Knight” both deserved their nominations and accolades. It’s been a great year for comics and movies, let’s hope for an even better year in 2009!

Before delving into this little collection (which binds together the first six issues of the new Darkness series), my knowledge of this particular character consisted of two very small details: One was that Jackie Estacado was a mob hitman, while the other was that he had bizarre, Witchbladey type powers that he used to slap people silly with. Other than that though, he was a blank slate shrouded by the usual connotations and ideas that come with any Top Cow book. What do I mean by that? Well, not to throw out blanket generalities or anything, but the majority of Top Cow books consist of copious amounts of cheescake, cheesy dialogue and weak and ineffective storylines. Still, what’s the saying we learned as kids? Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, I think. Yeah, that saying comes into play with The Darkness. Another thing that comes into play is writer extraordinaire Phil Hester.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Omnicomic has a two part interview with Berserker writer Rick Loverd and artist Jeremy Haun.

At NY Comic Con Tedd and I had the privilege of interviewing Jeremy Haun and Ron Loverd of Top Cow about their book Berserker. The book features the creative input of Milo Ventimiglia of Heroes fame, and is rapidly becoming a book that is becoming all the rage.

Welcome readers to the second edition of Controlling the Darkness with Phil hester. Issue 75 was a jam packed spectacular with a big art jam. It featured Jackie in a post apocalyptic future where everything seems to go terribly wrong and we see a few interesting new characters and a new twist on an old character. So let's jump right into things!

Eric: The first question I have about the issue is how did the idea for the apocalyptic future come up?

Phil: Remember that Viking Darkness one-shot that Oeming and I did? Well, it began with me asking Mike "what do you want to draw"? The first thing he requested was an apocalyptic cityscape and that got my mind churning. The story turned out to be too big for a normal sized one-shot, so we moved on to Mike's second favorite topic: Vikings.

In a display of how much importance Norman Osborn and the Thunderbolts have achieved in the Marvel Universe, the team is getting equal billing with the Avengers in Top Cow's latest inter-company crossover, entitled Fusion: Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer/ Avengers/Thunderbolts

The three-issue limited series begins in May and Top Cow has provided Newsarama with a first look at Mike Choi's cover to the debut issue.

Seventeen years ago, Top Cow launched its first title, Marc Silvestri’s “Cyberforce.” Over the years, Silverstri’s team of cybernetically enhanced mutants have starred in number of ongoing series, most recently the 2006 Ron Marz penned “Cyberforce” Volume Two. A year before that, Mark Waid teamed with Silvestri to create “Hunter-Killer,” a series about a team of genetically-engineered “Ultrasapiens” who hunt down their rogue brethren for the same government that created them all.

Top Cow’s 2009 summer event, “Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer,” features the long-awaited return of both teams, brought to you by the creative team that rounded out “Hunter-Killer” Season One, writer Mark Waid and artist Kenneth Rocafort. The book will be preceded by a Free Comic Book Day preview in May, and CBR News caught up with Waid to get all the details

Since I started this column, I’ve heard from a number of folks who want me to write something about how to break into the comics business. I suppose that would be a natural, given that (A) I’m a teacher and tend to be didactic, and (B) I’m still relatively new to this, so I’m fairly fresh from the womb (and the metaphorical doctor probably slapped my backside AFTER he read some of my comics).

Perhaps the best way to go about it, though, would be to start with what you SHOULD NOT do if you’re hoping to get into the comics business. Since a lot of folks go the route of trying to sell themselves at conventions, that’s a good place to start. A few thoughts:

Top Cow Productions, the comic book company that produces such titles as Witchblade and The Darkness, has a plan it hopes will lure comic book readers to their titles.

"I think almost all comic publishers are looking at how we can bring new readers in" says Filip Sablik, publisher of Top Cow Productions Inc. during a telephone interview from the company's Los Angeles office. First, the company plans to give away thousands of comic books for free over the course of the year at participating retailers in the U.S. and Canada.

Friday, February 20, 2009

For episode #74 we begin the walk through the final audio interviews of New York Comic Con. Over tonight and the next three days, we'll formally close out the 2009 show and wrap up our podcast coverage. In many ways, we've saved some really great interviews for these final few shows.

Magdalena is one of my favorite characters here at the Cow. I think most people brought up Catholic have at the very least a morbid fascination with the Church's history and legends which is what makes Magdalena so intriguing. We've been talking about her quite a bit internally recently and it go me thinking about doing a quick sketch of her. I think it came out pretty well.

Agent Cyblade faces off against her current handler, who manages to show a shred of humanity as she spares Cyblade from certain death. She gets taken to her old handler Steven Rashell, now gone rogue in order to help free the agents of Cyberdata.

Actor Milo Ventimiglia (best known now for his role on Heroes) recently helped bring a fresh new story concept to Top Cow’s attention. Introducing Berserker, a comic that runs wild with the idea of Norse shape-shifters known as Berserkers—a name that translates to “he who wears the skin of the bears.”

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Last time things started to heat up after a slow first issue, and now in Cyblade #3 (”Wings of Desire”), the story kicks up another notch. Our heroes prepare to make a preemptive move, but Cyberdata has another ace up its sleeve … imagine if Wolverine had five claws on each hand and mash that image together with Colossus and Mr. Sinister, or something. Err, my point being that he’s one nasty ace.

On sale in April is “Broken Trinity: Aftermath,” the followup to Top Cow Productions’ recent Broken Trinity event. The one-shot is illustrated by Jorge Lucas and Tyler Kirkham, co-written by Ron Marz and Bryan Edward Hill, and depicts the quest for the 13 artifacts in the Top Cow Universe. Following the events of “Broken Trinity” come two new characters, two new stories and another chapter in the growing Witchblade saga. Michael Finnegan wrestles with the power and purpose that comes with the Glacier Stone, and his first test might be saving Darkness wielder Jackie Estacado from himself. Hundreds of miles away, Glorianna Silver suffers from her banishment at the hands of The Angelus, and in order to survive, she will have to embrace the power of the Ember Stone and the destiny it has for her.

In support of the release, co-writers Ron Marz and Bryan Edward Hill join CBR today to discuss with each other their work on the special and its story’s implications for the Top Cow Universe going forward. The pair also get deep into the differences between writing for comics and writing for film.

So what’s the point of this rant? I’d ask you to think the next time you go to post that angry, ill conceived post on Newsarama or your favorite message board. Take a moment to see if you can inject a little bit of civility and respect into your commentary. Because what took you 15-30 minutes to read and 1 minute to comment on, took an entire team of people months of blood, sweat, and tears to create. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t critique books you don’t like (although if you haven’t read a title for 10 years, you probably should keep silent), but I am suggesting you express your critique in a constructive, respectful way. Think about it, you wouldn’t want me coming into your place of work and telling you that you’re doing your job poorly. Unless you are my local Starbucks barista, in which case I will let you know when my Grande Low Fat, No Sugar, two pump Cinnamon Dolce Latte isn’t up to snuff.

We have to admit that this is a pet peeve of ours as well — not that many comics that are produced aren’t crummy, but the glee with which message board regulars love to jump on their favorite pro whipping boys is tedious and uninformed.

This month Top Cow released The Darkness: Accursed Vol. 1 trade paperback, the initial collection of the series' third volume by writer Phil Hester and artist Michael Broussard. The 144-page TPB is being offered at a suggested retail price of just $4.99, which means Top Cow really, really wants new readers to give the series a try.

Of course, what's even better than $4.99 is free and here is a look at dozens of pages (almost half) from the collection along with writer Phil Hester's "Director's Commentary" on the selected pages.

Monday, February 16, 2009

THE 2009 GLYPH COMICS AWARDS NOMINEES ARE NAMED; THE FAN AWARD POLL IS OPEN

Now in its fourth successful year, the Glyph Comics Awards (GCA) continue to honor the best in black comics and creators. Many new faces are among this year’s nominees, as well as some old familiar ones.

The nominees for 2009 are:

Story of the Year

Bayou, Jeremy Love, writer and artist

Incognegro; Mat Johnson, writer, Warren Pleece, artist

Justice League of America: The Second Coming; Dwayne McDuffie, writer, Ed Benes, artist

A hitman with supernatural abilities celebrates an anniversary — and invites some old friends.

Top Cow’s "The Darkness” celebrates its 75th issue on Wednesday, with an oversized issue featuring art from former series artists Dale Keown, Joe Benitez, and co-creator Marc Silvestri.

"There are not many characters that are independently created characters that have had 75 issues come out,” said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. "We wanted to celebrate that fact. It’s a big deal for us. We think on some level, it’s a big deal for comics.”

This is it! The big, celebratory issue of The Darkness is here: The Darkness #75. Also #11 in the current series, it’s the 75th issue overall since launching in 1996. So how did Jackie Estacado celebrate the big 7-5? Hit the jump to find out.

The wife and I have been enjoying "The Tudors" Season 2 on DVD this week. I don't know what it is about the show that I enjoy. After all, it seems like I shouldn't like it - I have no interest in the time period, I know how the story ends, and so on. Nonetheless, I get a kick out of it. In homage to that fine show, here's a random dude in Victorian Era clothing.

From died in the wool Top Cow comics fans to the occasional gaggle of 14-year-old girls attempting to snap his picture with their camera phones, the crowd at Top Cow's Sunday panel at the 2009 New York Comic Con saw a different side to actor Milo Ventimiglia than that of his meek Peter character on the NBC drama "Heroes."

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Witchblade#124 came out shortly after my last visit to B&M Amusement, but I couldn't wait to see what happened next after the last scene in issue 123. Therefore, I stopped by the comic book store on my way to see Coraline, and got it. And, as usual, it was great.

Friday, February 13, 2009

It's Comic Con Season and New York is the first of the big cities on the docket. Blair Butler did a little traveling and brings us breaking news from Todd MacFarlane, Robert Kirkman, the 'Star Trek' comic universe, and Dave Gibbons from 'Watchmen.' Holy smokes, comic book fans, you won't want to miss this!

This sketch is just a dude taking off his sunglasses. Sometimes I start doodling something without any real idea of where it's going and this is one of those cases. But it does remind me of a hilarious YouTube clip where someone compiled all of the David Caruso's sunglass wearing one liners from "CSI: Miami". Well worth hunting down for a laugh.

Before we move any further into the review I want to say "thank you" to Top Cow for renumbering this series with the overall numbering that had been sort of been there, but not really there. For those of you not keeping score at home, this is the third volume of Darkness and I'm a bit OCD and hate new volumes and renumbering, so I was so happy to see that Top Cow put the numbering back on track with this milestone issue. OK. Enough of that - let's get into the book!

I had seen a cover for this issue somewhere on the Internet or in the pages of a Top Cow comic, but I really had no idea what it was all about. Now that I've had a chance to check out this #0 issue I can say that I'm still a little confused, but now I'm on board for what looks like a very violent ride that makes me wonder what's wrong with me!

Top Cow will be in WonderCon. Check out our two panels on Saturday:1:00-2:00 Extending the Franchise: Wanted—Matt Hawkins (publisher, Top Cow) and J. G. Jones (artist/co-creator, Wanted) have seen the Wanted characters come to life on the big screen with the film's release in Summer 2008. Now with guidance from Pete Wanat (executive producer, Universal), the video game Wanted: Weapons of Fate will continue the Wanted mythology in March. Come find out how they've turned a comic book series into a multimedia blockbuster, as Hawkins, Jones, and Wanat talk about the future of Wanted!Room 1043:00-4:00 Celebrating 75 Issues of The Darkness—Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik and Michael Broussard (The Darkness) take a look back at 75 issues of The Darkness and look forward to the series' future. Plus get information about next month's 125th issue of Witchblade, which kicks of "War of the Witchblades," and information about Top Cow's 2009 initiatives such as "$2.99 in 2009" and "Let Us Win YOU Over" in this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 104

This issue's central concept is a world overtaken by Darkness with Jackie Estacado as an evil ruler of the world opposed only be a sect of warrior nuns who are attempting to discover if a child is the one to bring back light to the world. This was a pretty cool stanalone issue. As a new reader, I felt like the issue drew me in and managed to tell one cohesive story outside continuity while still looping it back around to the main story by the end of the book.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

I know some of you have been thinking, "Where the heck are the sketches, Mr. Publisher Guy?"I have to apologize. I traveled back East before the New York Comic-Con to visit family and did not prep adequately before leaving to ensure I had sketches going up in my absence. Travel, conventions, and a lack of scanners can definitely complicate getting these doodles up on a daily basis. I'm hoping to come up with a solution before my next show (look for me in WonderCon!) so that the few and proud that are looking for my sketches are not denied from daily scribbling.

By the by, a big thanks to all of our fans that came by and said hello during New York Comic-Con. It was very cool to meet all of you. If I looked crazed or busy, it's because I was;)

Top Cow is making a name for themselves these days as a publisher of in-your-face comics. With The Darkness, Impaler, Wanted and now this series, they showcase brutal stories in which characters are thrust into gloriously bloody worlds. Like the best genre films of the 80s, these concepts revel in over the top violence, which make you wince and laugh in equal doses. In a fashion similar to the previously mentioned titles, Berserker knows how to wrap such blood letting in an engrossing story. That’s the key to books like this. Devoid of a great premise, they simply become mindless gore fests. Berserker is a head above (pun intended) such exploitation and delivers the goods in a brief package.

This particular storyline has been a bit darker than I am used to from this series. It is entirely appropriate, but the direction continues to muddy the waters for poor Jackie Estacado. As this title continues to show that this is ultimately a redemption tale, one is forced to question whether Jackie will he ever find it? Only time will tell.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

While news about the economy seems to get worse every week, the comics industry is starting to buzz about its own economy and the effect of rising comic book prices.

"Small talk of the economy has officially replaced 'How's the weather?', 'How much is the Death of Superman worth?', and even 'Who is that Red Hulk?' as the most talked-about subject in the comic shop," said Bret Parks, owner of Ssalefish Comics in Winston Salem, NC. "So far, most customers have not been overly sensitive to the price change [in comic books], but with more and more fan interaction online and tons of job loss, it is not taking long for the complaint and weariness to circulate."

Top Cow’s beautiful looking IMPALER series has finally been collected in a trade paperback – THANK GOD! While reading this series issue by issue is certainly fun, having the ability to read the first series of this large-scale vampire book all in one shot helps give it a better cinematic sort of feel.

IMPALER is one of the best vampire books I’ve read in years which is saying something in a market where vampires, zombies, and the like are being overused to death. Think of IMPALER as ‘Twilight for Guys’ except with all the things that make vampires great. I use the comparison only because writer William Harms is able to bring something new to the vampire genre. His vampires are deadly and menacing but have a bunch of powers you’ve never seen before. So while Twilight’s queer vampires sparkle (or whatever the hell they do) IMPALER’s vampires bring the death and destruction we all deserve while making vampires seem fresh.

Two years ago, the Witchblade was torn asunder. Where there was one wielder, there was now two. Sara Pezzini retained the dark half of the ancient weapon, and Dani Baptiste became the wielder of the better angels of the Witchblade’s nature. Dani and Sara’s personalities have clashed from time to time in the past, but the long-brewing conflict between the two Witchblade wielders finally came to a head in Top Cow's “Witchblade” #124. This week, “Witchblade” #125 kicks off a six-issue arc entitled “War of the Witchblades,” and CBR News caught up with series writer Ron Marz to get the details.

Phil Hester … Phil Friggin’ Hester, you are the man, bringing us yet another great comic.

“Absolute Darkness” is set in a future where pollution has grown so thick, the sun is blocked out by smog and the earth is cold and dying. The sisters of the Magdalena fight to preserve the human race by fighting against the world’s aged but dangerously powerful self-appointed ruler, Jackie Estacado—host to the Darkness even now.

It’s been a few months since we started tracking the development of Berserker, Top Cow’s newest comic series, and now the day it all begins is finally here. Berserker #0 tears its way into comic shops today. Is the ultra-bloody story worth your time and money? Hit the jump to find out.

Milo Ventimiglia obviously likes his comic books and superheroes. The actor not only stars as Peter Petrelli on Heroes, but he’s building on his relationship with Top Cow Productions by “presenting” the upcoming title Berserker. UGO caught up with Ventimiglia at the busy Top Cow booth during this past weekend’s New York Comic-Con and got a few minutes of one-on-one time with him to talk about Berserker, which will be released this summer, and his day job. READ MORE.

Berserker is the latest title to hit comic shops from Top Cow and it is being produced in conjunction with Divide Pictures, of which Milo Ventimiglia of Heroes is a part. This alone will be enough to get most people to buy the book and give it a try. For those of us who don’t watch Heroes, is there anything for us? Fortunately, yes.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

After attending a panel for Top Cow’s new series, Berserker, on Saturday, I had a chance to talk to producers Milo Ventimiglia and Russ Cundiff, as well as writer Rick Loverd and artist Jeremy Haun. Well, okay, mostly Russ, Rick, and Jeremy, as Milo had a line of girls going halfway across New York waiting to get their issues of Berserker #0 signed by the Heroes star. Hit the jump for more.

It’s Saturday afternoon here at New York Comic Con, and Top Cow’s Berserker panel is about to begin. I’m glad I got here early, because the room is packed with girls just waiting to get a glimpse of Milo Ventimiglia. Joining Milo will be his production partner, Russ Cundiff, Berserker writer Rick Loverd, and artist Jeremy Haun. Hit the jump to hear all about Top Cow’s newest series, which will be launching next week.

-There’s not an empty seat in the house, and the Berserker guys are already five minutes late. The fans are getting restless.

Last issue Sara defeated a spectral horror that was decimating an orthodox Jewish population in New York. Dani confronted the abuser and would-be pimp of one of her dancing students.

I must sound like a skipping CD by now. Stjepan Sejic's artwork makes Witchblade a joy to absorb. In this issue, the tone of the story becomes darker, and Sejic casts Sara Pezzini and Danielle Baptiste in the constant glow of rain excited by lightning. Weather reflecting the character's mood is an old trick, but it's a good one. In the hands of a masterful artist, it never loses its potency. Sejic is such a master.

Hey folks, Ambush Bug here. We have a couple previews to share with you this time on Spinner Rack to the Future. Let’s start out with a little video that will be leaked at the NYCC. It’ got something to do with Top Cow’s upcoming BERSERKER series about normal people who discover they have inherited the ancient powers of the Norse Berserkers.

When exactly did Sara become such a b--ch? Serving as both a prelude to the upcoming 'War of the Witchblades' and as an epilogue to the 'Crown Heights' storyline, Dani shows up looking very distraught, begging Sara for help after her attempt to help a friend spiraled downward and resulted in a dead body.

Top Cow Productions has provided CBR with an exclusive preview of the backmatter and bonus ceator commentary from “The Darkness: Accursed” trade paperback. Written by Phil Hester, illustrated by Michael Broussard and on sale February 11, this 144-page book collects issues #1-6 of “The Darkness” for just $4.99. When you’re through checking out this exclusive preview, don’t forget to visit CBR’s Image Comics forum to discuss “The Darkness” with fellow readers.